Earlier today, a report in French rugby outlet Midi Olympique that the English RFU had put Ireland head coach Joe Schmdit top of their wishlist to replace their current head coach Stuart Lancaster after England's World Cup failure on home soil.

Schmidt, who is contracted to Ireland until 2017 and would be a contender for the New Zealand job after that point, addressed the speculation during his team announcement.

"I think if we’d lost last weekend, it could be someone else being propositioned for my job. Stuart is a first-class character, I enjoy chatting with him pre- and post-matches. I certainly won’t be going after his job," said Schmidt who will lead Ireland into a World Cup quarter-final battle with Argentina on Sunday with the prospect of a first ever semi-final appearance.